Recent images of China’s advanced fighter jet, known as the J-36, a tailless flying wing aircraft equipped with three engines, have surfaced on Chinese social media. These pictures, reportedly captured from a video, show the aircraft flying over a highway close to the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group facility in Sichuan province, where the jet is believed to have been manufactured.
Initial sightings of the J-36 date back to late last year, garnering significant interest from aviation enthusiasts and military experts alike, with further images surfacing last month. Military aviation specialist David Cenciotti highlighted the aircraft’s unique design on his platform, The Aviationist, noting its trijet engine installation. This configuration, featuring two under-wing intakes and one dorsal intake situated behind the cockpit, diverges from conventional twin-engine designs, potentially offering enhanced thrust and reliability. Additionally, he pointed out that the jet appears to contain internal weapon bays, suggesting the capability for long-range missile transportation.
Analysts speculate that the J-36 represents a move for China to compete aggressively with the United States in the realm of sixth-generation fighter technology. Currently, the US military’s fifth-generation jets, namely the F-22 and F-35, are perceived as superior globally; however, China’s J-20 and J-35 models also form part of its fifth-generation arsenal, lacking the combat experience that the American jets possess. The recent announcement from the US regarding a contract for the sixth-generation F-47 by Boeing further intensifies the competitive dynamics, although details on the deployment timeline remain undisclosed.
As the J-36 takes centre stage in discussions around military aviation advancements, it is noteworthy that it isn’t the sole sixth-generation fighter under development in China. Concurrently with the J-36’s emergence, images of another jet, referred to as either J-XX or J-50, have also come to light, featuring a similar tailless design. While the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has not officially acknowledged either aircraft, various Chinese military analysts suggest that these images may indicate rapid advancements in China’s sixth-generation capabilities.
Experts like Wang Ya’nan, editor of Aerospace Knowledge, affirm China’s commitment to developing cutting-edge aviation technology. However, it’s recognised that transitioning from concept to operational fighter jet can take years, as evidenced by the protracted development timeline of the J-35, which had been in the works for over a decade before its public reveal at an airshow last November.
In summary, the J-36 and the additional jet underline China’s aspirations in modern military aviation and signify the ongoing global competition in the sixth-generation fighter landscape.